SCENE vii PART SECOND 349
SCENE VII
THE SAME. THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS
The rooms are lighted with candles in brass chandeliers, and a dance is in
full movement to the strains of a string-band. A signal is criven, shortly
after the clock has struck eleven, by MR. FORTH, Master of Ceremonies.
FORTH
His Royal Highness comes, though somewhat late,
But never too late for welcome! (Applause.) Dancers,
stand,
That we may do fit homage to the Prince
Who soon may shine our country's gracious king.
After a brief stillness a commotion is heard at the door, the band strikes
the National air, and the PRINCE enters, accompanied by the rest of the
iitors from the Pavilion. The guests who have been temporarily absent
iw crowd in, till there is hardly space to stand.
RINCE OF WALES (wiping his face and whispering to Sheridan)
What shall I say to fit their feelings here ?
Damn me, that other speech has stumped me quite!
SHERIDAN (whispering)
If heat be evidence of loy------
PRINCE OF WALES
If what ?
SHERIDAN
If heat be evidence of loyalty,
Et caetera—something quaint like that might please Jem.
PRINCE OF WALES (to the company)
If heat be evidence of loyalty,
This room affords it truly without question;
If heat be not, then its accompaniment
Most surely 'tis to-night. The news I bring,
Good ladies, friends, and gentlemen, perchance
You have divined already ? That our arms—
-Engaged to thwart Napoleon's tyranny
Over the jaunty, jocund land of Spain
Even to the highest apex of our strength—
Are rayed with victory I (Cheers.) Lengthy was the strife.